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University of Southern California (USC) vs University of San Diego

Envision yourself pursuing higher education in the vibrant cities of Los Angeles or San Diego, California. The University of Southern California (USC) and the University of San Diego (USD) stand out as two prominent institutions offering distinct academic experiences. While both universities share a commitment to academic excellence, they differ in several key aspects. USC boasts a lower acceptance rate, indicating its highly selective admissions process, while USD offers a more accessible pathway for aspiring students. Explore the comparison table to delve into further details, including popular majors, student body demographics, and graduation rates. Discover which university aligns best with your academic aspirations and personal preferences, setting the stage for a transformative educational journey in Southern California.
University of San Diego logo

University of San Diego

 		University of Southern California logo

University of Southern California

Overview

Location San Diego, California Los Angeles, California
Campus setting City: Large City: Large
College type 4 year 4 year
Control/business model Private (Non Profit) Private (Non Profit)
Calendar system 4-1-4 Semester
Degrees offered Undergraduate and Graduate Undergraduate and Graduate
Students retention rate 92.0% 96.0%
Common app member Yes Yes
Religious affiliation Catholic

Admission

Acceptance rate 52.7% 12.5%
Application fees
Undergraduate: $55
Graduate: $45
Undergraduate: $85
Graduate: $90
SAT range N/A 1410 - 1540
ACT range N/A 32 - 35
Students submitting SAT score 31.0%
Students submitting ACT score 19.0%
Total number of applicants 14,326 71,031
Total number of admissions given out 7,550 8,884
Admitted students who chose to enroll 1,166 3,668
Yield rate 15.4% 41.3%
Test scores (SAT/ACT) N/A N/A
High school GPA Required Required
Recommendation letters Required Required
High school transcript Not required Not required
English proficiency test (e.g. TOEFL) Required Required

Tuition and Fees

Sticker price $75,982 $81,659
Average net price $34,155 $26,021
Tuition $52,120 $60,446
Room & board $16,246
Room/dormitory: $10,098
Meal plan: $6,634
Available payment plans
  • Tuition payment plan
  • Prepaid tuition plan
  • Tuition payment plan

Financial Aid

Students receiving financial aid

(Grants & scholarships)

 82.0%
Average amount $34,413 		72.0%
Average amount $40,690
Students receiving federal student loan 33.0%
Average amount $5,216 		22.0%
Average amount $4,215
Students taking out private loans 5.0%
Average amount $12,155 		2.0%
Average amount $29,056

Students and Campus
Undergraduate students 5,702
Men 43.9% Women 56.1% 		20,790
Men 48.5% Women 51.5%
Graduate students 3,339
Men 42.4% Women 57.6% 		28,528
Men 44.3% Women 55.7%
Racial/ethnic diversity
Moderate
Moderate
Out-of-state students 45.5% 49.9%
International students 6.2% 23.8%
Campus local/setting City: Large City: Large
Dormitory capacity 2,484 8,700
First year students are required to live on campus? No No
Top 5 states where most U.S. students come from California Washington Colorado Arizona Nevada California Texas New York Illinois Florida

Academics

Popular study areas
  • Legal Profession
  • Business
  • Education
  • Health Professions
  • Law Enforcement and Firefighting
  • Business
  • Health Professions
  • Engineering
  • Computer and Information Science
  • Public Administration and Social Service
Students to faculty ratio 13:1 9:1
Institutional accreditation Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission Western Association of Schools and Colleges Senior Colleges and University Commission

Outcome

Graduation rate 80.0% 92.0%
Dropout rate 19.5% 7.2%
Transferred out N/A N/A
Alumni salary by major (Top 10)
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Doctoral Degrees)
  • Year 1: $114,672
  • Year 2: $117,572
  • Year 3: $115,744
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $95,123
  • Year 2: $89,672
  • Year 3: $102,690
Legal Research and Advanced Professional Studies (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $91,786
  • Year 2: $84,653
  • Year 3: $98,598
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $96,329
  • Year 2: $91,744
  • Year 3: $93,985
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $71,367
  • Year 2: $73,391
  • Year 3: $92,346
Electrical, Electronics and Communications Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $72,417
  • Year 2: $75,706
  • Year 3: $84,924
Real Estate (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,970
  • Year 2: $63,005
  • Year 3: $84,277
Accounting and Related Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $62,809
  • Year 2: $61,962
  • Year 3: $75,083
Mechanical Engineering (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $67,424
  • Year 2: $67,324
  • Year 3: $72,729
Finance and Financial Management Services (Bachelor's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $58,434
  • Year 2: $61,069
  • Year 3: $72,310
Advanced/Graduate Dentistry and Oral Sciences (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $104,166
  • Year 2: $187,234
  • Year 3: $221,418
Registered Nursing, Nursing Administration, Nursing Research and Clinical Nursing (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $167,228
  • Year 2: $163,225
  • Year 3: $161,094
Pharmacy, Pharmaceutical Sciences, and Administration (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $106,344
  • Year 2: $126,683
  • Year 3: $148,434
Marketing (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $113,473
  • Year 2: $117,572
  • Year 3: $147,381
Computer Science (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $110,796
  • Year 2: $116,083
  • Year 3: $146,357
Legal Professions and Studies, Other (Graduate/Professional Certificates)
  • Year 1: $79,420
  • Year 2: $88,198
  • Year 3: $140,330
Business Administration, Management and Operations (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $127,841
  • Year 2: $131,090
  • Year 3: $140,129
Public Administration and Social Service Professions, Other (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $135,775
  • Year 2: $135,393
  • Year 3: $136,848
Law (First Professional Degrees)
  • Year 1: $121,676
  • Year 2: $101,072
  • Year 3: $134,632
Real Estate Development (Master's Degrees)
  • Year 1: $119,991
  • Year 2: $122,038
  • Year 3: $125,784

Frequently Asked Questions

  • What are the main differences between USC and USD?

    USC (University of Southern California) is a large, private research university located in Los Angeles, known for its strong programs in film, communication, business, and engineering. USD (University of San Diego) is a mid-sized, private Catholic university in San Diego, emphasizing liberal arts, business, and law. USC has a more urban, bustling campus environment, while USD offers a more serene, residential setting overlooking the Pacific Ocean. USC is generally considered more competitive to get into and has a larger student body.

  • Which university is better for film and media studies?

    USC is widely recognized as one of the top film schools in the world. Its School of Cinematic Arts offers unparalleled resources, industry connections, and a vast alumni network. While USD has a solid communication program, USC is the clear leader in film and media studies.

  • How do the business programs at USC and USD compare?

    Both USC and USD have reputable business schools. USC's Marshall School of Business is larger and offers a wider range of specialized programs, including a highly ranked MBA program. USD's School of Business is smaller and more focused on undergraduate education and a more personalized learning experience. Both offer strong career services and internship opportunities, but USC's location in Los Angeles provides access to a larger and more diverse business community.

  • What is the campus environment like at USC versus USD?

    USC's campus is located in the heart of Los Angeles, offering a vibrant and energetic urban experience. It's a large campus with a diverse student body and numerous extracurricular activities. USD's campus is situated on a beautiful hilltop overlooking the Pacific Ocean, providing a more tranquil and residential atmosphere. It's a smaller campus with a strong sense of community.

  • Which university is more selective in its admissions process?

    USC is generally more selective than USD. Both universities have rigorous admissions standards, but USC's acceptance rate is typically lower, reflecting its higher volume of applications and greater competition for spots.

  • How do the costs of attending USC and USD compare?

    Both USC and USD are private universities with similar tuition costs. However, the overall cost of attendance can vary depending on factors such as housing, meal plans, and personal expenses. Living in Los Angeles (USC) may be slightly more expensive than living in San Diego (USD). Be sure to check each university's website for the most up-to-date tuition and fee information, and explore financial aid and scholarship opportunities at both institutions.

  • What are the religious affiliations of USC and USD?

    USC is a non-sectarian university, meaning it is not formally affiliated with any religious organization. USD is a Catholic university, and its Catholic identity is reflected in its mission, values, and some of its academic programs. However, USD welcomes students of all faiths and backgrounds.

  • Which university is better for engineering programs?

    USC's Viterbi School of Engineering is a highly ranked and well-regarded engineering school, offering a wide range of undergraduate and graduate programs. While USD has a solid engineering program, USC offers more specialized areas of study and greater research opportunities in engineering.

  • What kind of student typically thrives at USC versus USD?

    A student who thrives at USC is often ambitious, driven, and enjoys a fast-paced, urban environment. They are comfortable in a large university setting and eager to take advantage of the many opportunities available. A student who thrives at USD is often drawn to a smaller, more close-knit community with a strong emphasis on values and personal attention. They appreciate a beautiful campus and a more relaxed atmosphere.

  • Do USC and USD offer similar extracurricular activities?

    Both USC and USD offer a wide range of extracurricular activities, including clubs, organizations, sports, and volunteer opportunities. USC, being a larger university, generally has a greater number and variety of options. However, USD provides ample opportunities for students to get involved and make a difference on campus and in the community.

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